Why do I feel Pressure on the palm of my hand?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the sensation of pressure felt on the palm of the hand when lowering an object towards it. Participants explore potential causes for this sensation, including physical and psychological explanations, and consider the implications of sensitivity and awareness in perceiving such sensations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a subtle sensation felt on the palm when an object is lowered towards it and questions the underlying cause.
  • Another suggests that static charge potential might be a factor and inquires about the sensitivity required to notice the sensation.
  • It is noted that the sensation can be felt with various materials, including wood, metal, and glass.
  • Some participants express skepticism, stating that there is no known physics mechanism to explain the sensation and suggest testing with another person to see if the results change.
  • A viewpoint is presented that the sensation may be purely psychological, proposing that the body prepares for contact and generates sensations internally based on expectations.
  • One participant argues that such sensations are part of human perception and can be influenced by psychological factors, likening it to how magicians exploit these characteristics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of the sensation, with some attributing it to physical mechanisms and others suggesting psychological explanations. No consensus is reached regarding the cause of the sensation.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the importance of sensitivity and awareness in perceiving the sensation, indicating that individual differences may affect the experience. The discussion also highlights the potential influence of psychological factors on sensory perception.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals exploring sensory perception, psychology of awareness, and the interplay between physical and psychological factors in human experience.

Erich1
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When I lower on object towards my palm (e.g. a pendulum on a long string, or a small metal object, etc) I feel a very subtle, but distinct sensation on the palm of my hand. What could be causing this? I don't think it is heat from the other hand. Can an stationary object produce a subtle force/pressure on the air?

Please note, you have to be very aware to notice this sensation. If you are closed minded, or have insensitive hands you won't notice it.
 
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Hi and welcome to PF! Perhaps static charge potential? At what range would an "open-minded controlled sensitive hand" conceivably notice this sensation?
 
With the hanging object at least 5 to 6 inches away with the other hand about 2 feet away.
 
Works with wood metal objects and glass objects
 
I would have guessed much closer to "feel" a charge imbalance but that's the only physical connection I could imagine.
 
So, the basic answer is no, there is no physics mechanism that could cause this. Have you tried having someone else lower the object to see if it affects the results?
 
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Sounds purely psychological to me.
Have another person lower the object at random times with your eyes closed.
 
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There is a good reason for us to feel such things but there's nothing magical about it. Our bodies are constantly trying to prepare for future events and our control systems are extrapolating on what to expect. Our 'awareness' is way down the line from this sort of process but this sort of reaction is good for avoiding 'surprises'. Such sensations feel real enough but they're internally generated. We 'feel' the next step before we actually make contact and we taste the food before we even get to smell it. Magicians rely on this human characteristic, in their acts.
A good, controlled experiment will show you that it's all "in yer 'ead".
 

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